KANSAS

  1. Apply
    • Complete a questionnaire and list of references.
  2. Training
    • You will complete 30 hours of Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence, Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting Training or 21 hours of Trauma Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence Deciding Together Training.
  3. Home Consultation
    • A worker will meet with you two times or more to gather information to learn about you and your family during the training process. This information will be compiled in a family assessment as well as a MAPP or DT Assessment, which you will review and approve.
  4. Fingerprints
    • While in training you will be scheduled to have fingerprints run on each adult providing care. Fingerprints can be “rolled” by our TFI Staff or fingerprints can be completed at your local police or sheriff’s department. They will then be submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to process and return results.
  5. Documentation
    • You will need to provide documents so that your home can be licensed: Safety plans for outdoor, basement, and fireplace (if applicable, a signed survey completed by DCF, as well as any additional documentation gathered by you and your assigned TFI worker.
  6. Signed Agreements 
    • You will sign agreements with TFI outlining your rights and responsibilities as a foster parent.
  7. Walkthrough/DCF Survey
    • A DCF surveyor will complete a survey and walkthrough of your home, and help you identify any changes that may be needed to meet the licensing requirements.
  8. DCF Approval
    • TFI submits the supporting documentation to DCF, DCF will schedule a walkthrough and survey of your home. Once that has been completed; DCF will issue your home a license to provide foster care.

NEBRASKA

  1. Apply
    • Complete a questionnaire to complete reference checks.
  2. Compliance Review
    • A TFI Foster care worker will complete a walkthrough of your home, and help you identify any changes that may be needed to meet the licensing requirements.
  3. Fingerprints
    • You will be scheduled to have fingerprints run on each providing care. Fingerprints can be “rolled” by our TFI Staff or fingerprints can be completed at your local police or sheriff’s department.  They will then be submitted to the State of Nebraska to process and return results.
  4. Background Checks
    • A TFI Foster care worker will complete the required forms to complete necessary background checks. These forms will be submitted to DHHS for processing and results will be returned to TFI.
  5. Training
    • You will complete 30 hours of TIPS-Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting Training or 21 hours of TIPS-Deciding Together Training
  6. Home Study
    • A worker will meet with you two times or more to gather information to learn about you and your family. This information will be compiled in a home study as well as a TIPS-MAPP or TIPS-DT Assessment, which you will review and approve.
  7. Documentation
    • You will need to provide documents so that your home can be licensed: for example: proof of insurance, health information reports, and other requested documents
  8. Signed Agreements
    • You will sign agreements with TFI outlining your rights and responsibilities as a foster parent.
  9. DHHS Approval
    • TFI submits the supporting documentation to DHHS. DHHS will review the supporting documentation and issue your home a license to provide foster care if approved.

Foster Care offers diverse, but rewarding challenges. TFI offers one of the most comprehensive training programs of any child welfare organization to give their Foster Care parents the keys to be successful. Prior to being licensed, families receive training covering topics such as: feelings, behaviors, working with the system, identifying abuse, and understanding the legal aspects of Foster Care parenting. Through training biological parents and prospective Foster Care parents are taught the fundamental basics of good parenting and what to expect as Foster Care parents.  Current Foster Care parents receive the necessary assistance and accreditation with continual educational opportunities provided through our support system.

TFI hosts and co-sponsors a number of local-based training seminars and presentations for the general public, seeking to educate communities on different aspects of good parenting, becoming a Foster Care parent, child welfare and safety, and various other topics.

TIPS-MAPP Training is required to become a licensed Foster Care parent in Kansas.

TIPS-MAPP stands for (Trauma Informed) Partnering for Safety and Permanence Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting*. Every potential foster or adoptive parent is required in Kansas to complete TIPS-MAPP training before a child can be placed in their home. The goal of the ten week training course is to help you and your family decide whether or not fostering a child is right for you.

The program guides potential applicants through the complex issues they will face as Foster Care parents. Through carefully designed activities, parents see firsthand the challenges of fostering. Using both group and individual exercises, leaders help parents decide if their expectations and abilities match the realities of being a Foster Care parent. Mutual preparation and selection enable parents and TFI to build the basis of teamwork toward permanency for children and their families. Partnerships in parenting become partnerships for permanency. When Foster Care parents understand the needs of children and their families, it is more likely that permanency will be achieved. This program enables Foster Care parents to work more effectively with children and their families in the child welfare system.

For questions regarding these MAPP classes or if you don’t see a MAPP class currently available in your area, please give us a call! Reach a Recruitment Specialist toll free at 800-279-9914 or you may reach us by email at recruitment@tfifamily.org.

How much does it cost?
TIPS-MAPP training is offered free of charge.

Who can attend?
TIPS-MAPP training is open to all qualified potential Resource Foster parents. Please note that both parents in the household are required to complete training before becoming a licensed Resource Foster Care provider.

Am I obligated to be a Resource Foster parent after completing TIPS-MAPP training?
No. Some potential Resource Foster parents realize during the training that Resource Foster parenting would not be right for them. There is absolutely no obligation to become a Resource Foster parent after completing the training. As an additional benefit, almost all participants have claimed that TIPS-MAPP training has helped them become better parents to their own children.

When do the classes take place?
New TIPS-MAPP classes begin every few weeks or months, depending upon instructor availability and demand from the community. Meetings last three hours per week for ten consecutive weeks.

Where are the classes located?
TFI is proud to sponsor TIPS-MAPP trainings all over the state of Kansas.

My husband and I have different work hours and it would be impossible for us to attend the ten week TIPS-MAPP classes, does that mean we couldn’t be foster parents?
TFI does offer an alternative for those families in your situation. When you make your application, please let us know your circumstances so we can evaluate if you are a candidate for the alternative training.

How do I find out more information or register for TIPS-MAPP training?
Interested applicants can call our Recruitment Specialist toll free at 800-279-9914 or reach us by email recruitment@tfifamily.org. Our schedule is updated often, so please check back for more information about TIPS-MAPP training, including dates and locations of upcoming classes.